As a former Democratic city councilor representing Ward 7 in Burlington’s New North End, I am breaking party ranks in the upcoming City Council race and strongly supporting independent James Loop in his race to unseat incumbent Councilor Ali Dieng.

While I have been a lifelong, liberal Democrat and a staunch proponent of progressive causes, I know from many years of experience as a community leader and activist how important it is to work collaboratively with other city councilors and the mayor on the issues of greatest concern to all of our neighbors: taxes; affordable, high-quality schools and housing; and safer streets, upgraded infrastructure, and more transportation options for everyone.

James Loop is a consensus builder. He will bring a thoughtful, practical perspective to the Burlington City Council, not one rooted in rigid ideology, an unwillingness to listen to his constituents, and an inability to work with others to find common ground.

While I recently moved from Ward 7 and Burlington, I continue to follow city politics with great interest and an abiding love for my former city and neighborhood. I believe Burlington and Ward 7 will be well served by electing James Loop to the City Council on March 6.

TOM AYRES

Randolph

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